Trough Ring Seal for C-Type and W-Type Port Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring seals are designed for specific port types, requiring multiple seals for different port configurations and risking damage or misalignment when used with mixed port types.
Innovation Solution
A symmetrical ring seal with deformable annular protrusions and a trough design that allows for compatible sealing with both C-type and W-type ports, ensuring proper alignment and fluid tight seals regardless of orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ring seal is designed for a specific port type (C-type or W-type), then the sealing performance for that port type is optimized, but the seal cannot be used with other port types and requires multiple different seals
Solution Approach 1:
The ring seal is designed with dual sealing surfaces: one surface configured for C-type ports with a planar engagement surface and compressible material, and the opposite surface configured for W-type ports with a recessed engagement surface. This allows a single seal to function with both port types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized seals while maintaining reliable sealing performance for each.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ring seal has asymmetric sealing surfaces for different port types, then it can interface with both C-type and W-type ports, but the seal requires specific orientation positioning and may cause damage when inverted
Solution Approach 1:
The ring seal employs asymmetric sealing surfaces where one side has a planar configuration optimized for C-type ports while the opposite side has a recessed configuration for W-type ports. This asymmetric design enables compatibility with both port types while the distinct surface configurations provide visual and tactile cues for proper orientation, eliminating the need for users to consciously track seal orientation during installation.
3Reliability
If axial protrusions are added to the ring seal to aid sealing with C-type ports, then sealing capability is improved, but scratches may be created on the fluid port surface
Solution Approach 1:
The ring seal incorporates a compressible material layer localized at the sealing surface that contacts the C-type port. This localized compressible region deforms under compression to form a seal without requiring rigid axial protrusions that could scratch the port surface. The compressible material provides the necessary sealing pressure while protecting the port surface from damage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a single ring seal to securely seal both C-type and W-type ports without orientation concerns, reducing the need for multiple seals and minimizing damage to port surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The end surfaces of C seals engage and compress against a planar surface of a port of a flow component to form a fluid tight seal therebetween
Implementation Method 2
A symmetrical ring seal with deformable annular protrusions and a trough design that allows for compatible sealing with both C-type and W-type ports
Data Source
AI summary
A ring seal includes an annular body defining an axial hole therethrough for fluid passage in an axial direction and having a radial plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction. An axial side of the ring seal includes deformable annular protrusions extending from the annular body in an axial direction to first and second apexes, which are configured to deform upon engagement with a first planar sealing surface and define a trough therebetween to engage a first annular rounded sealing protrusion or ring. So configured, the ring seal can seal two different types of flow components.